Kogi gov’ship: Money, incumbency won’t count — Sani Lulu
A former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, says the critics of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State cannot be faulted because of what is happening in his home state.
Abdullahi, who fielded questions from journalists yesterday in Abuja, expressed optimism that he would defeat Governor Bello at the coming primary election and pick the sole governorship ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“You can’t easily fault the people’s comments. It is a collective desire of people to make the comments,” he said.
“They (critics of Governor Bello) are bringing out facts about what is happening in our State. It is because of this burning desire that I believe I should answer the people’s call,” he said.
The former NFF boss, who said something was “deliberately wrong” for the raging controversy over the payment of salaries in Kogi State, stated that the budget could not be produced without taking into cognizance the staff ’s current list.
He said, “I can’t approve a budget when there is no money for it. Are you giving staff strength and at the same time wrong impression on what you are doing?
“It’s a very simple logic. But we are not sincere. That is why I said earlier that if you are transparent and accountable, you can’t see any flaw in your system. There is problem somewhere. Our generation must do something to satisfy the yearnings of stakeholders.
“With the NFF and as a Director of Sports in the FCT, my number one priority is staff payment. You can’t expect to get results when you cannot take care of staff in any situation. I just think there is problem somewhere. Our generation must do something to satisfy the yearnings of stakeholders which is the entire citizens,” Lulu said.
Lulu voiced confidence in the ability of the APC which he described as a highly responsible and organised party under the leadership of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to conduct free, fair and credible primary poll.
He also expressed hope that the APC under the former labour leader would not allow financial inducement and power of incumbency to influence the outcome of the primary election.
Lulu said with his acceptance by the people, he would emerge victorious since he had been tested in leadership capacity.
“One important criterion to win election is not only funding, it is your acceptance by people. I have delivered. At NFF, I fought corruption. It is a plus for me. If you don’t have money but you have people, it will receive God’s blessing. President Muhammadu Buhari won elections without money,” he said.